The Psychopath's Brain

Renato M.E. Sabbatini, PhD

[Back to first page]

DSM-IV: Antisocial Personality Disorder Definition

Sociopathic Personality or Antisocial Personality Disorder is a personality disorder whose essential feature is a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. The individual must be at least age 18 and must have a history of some symptoms of conduct disorder before age 15. It is diagnosed by the presence of three (or more) of the following:

• failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
• deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
• impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
• irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
• reckless disregard for safety of self or others
• consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations
• lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another

The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode. Some of the associated features are: depressed mood, drug addiction and erratic behavior.

Source: APA, DSM-IV, 1994.

ICD-10: Dissocial Personality Disorder

Source: WHO, ICD-10, 1994. Mental Health